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“10” things you can do right now to face your grief

1. Tell your story. Tell it over and over if that's what you need to do. Tell it to those who support you and listen to you.

2. Be kind to yourself. Eat healthy foods, although it is fine to indulge in 'comfort' food occasionally.

3. Engage in small pleasures: sit outside in the warming sun; watch a favorite TV show or movie; listen to music; look at old photographs; read.

4. Express your feelings creatively. Write about your loss in a journal; write a letter saying the things you never got to say; make a scrapbook or photo album; draw, paint, sketch, doodle. Sometimes it is helpful to work on a repetitive activity, one that keeps your hands busy but doesn't cause you stress (jigsaw puzzles, knitting). Join a Computer support group.

5. Get plenty of rest

6. Ask a close friend or family member to stay with you for the first few days. He or she can handle phone calls and take messages or help you make simple decisions if you wish. You may also just need someone to simply sit with you in silent support.

7. Look after your physical health. Exercise

8. Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel, and don’t tell yourself how to feel either. Your grief is your own, and no one else can tell you when it’s time to “move on” or “get over it.”

9. Pamper yourself: bubble baths, wrap yourself in a favorite afghan or quilt; get a massage.

10 Find a safe, quite place to think, to remember, to process, to meditate or to be alone with your thoughts and allow the healing to take place in the silence. Participate in a ceremony or create your own ritual.